UEFA Champions League

Ronaldo (Real Madrid) recorded a hat trick, and David Beckham scored two including the game-winning goal. Both demonstrated what it means to be star players.

It was the Game 2 of the quarterfinal of the 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League held yesterday in Manchester. 12 minutes into the first half, Ronaldo, dashing in like a lion, shot the ball passed by Gutierrez into the net. Again at 5:00 and 14:00 in the latter half, Ronaldo shook the net twice.

On the other hand, Beckham was sent in at 17:00 into the latter half with Real Madrid leading the game 3-2. In the starting lineup, Beckham was not included due to his disappointing performance in the Game 1. Nine minutes thereafter, Beckham led a free-kick opportunity to a game-tie goal. Then, when six minutes were left, he scored another, turning the game over for Manchester United.

If Beckham had sit through the game and Manchester had lost it, coach Ferguson would have taken all the blames. Fortunately for him, Beckham did what was expected of him, and won the game for Manchester.

Despite the loser yesterday, Real Madrid advanced to the semifinal due to its lopsided 3-1 victory the previous day. Challenging for its tenth title, Real Madrid will take on Juventus on May 7th.

AC Milan, successfully brushing off the challenge by Ajax Amsterdam, will take on Inter Milan in the semifinal.

Actually, the two "Milans" are "local" rivals to each other. Both base their team in Milan. AC Milan was first founded in 1899, and Inter Milan in 1908. Thus, the upcoming game means more than just one more win. It will be a war of pride and reputation. Inter Milan stands one notch up its rival in the Italian pro league ranking, occupying the second spot.

The final will be a confrontation between Spain and Italy as well. The winner between the two Spanish teams, Real Madrid and Juventus, will take on its Italian counterpart, which will be determined between two Italian teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Jong-Koo Yang jongk@donga.com